Listening for the Whisper

SWIM (haven't done yet...)
COMMUTE 10 miles, if I bike to the Y to swim, not sure on that yet

Not much to do at work today but lots to do outside of it, so I'm hoping to leave soon! Finally Friday!

Lots I keep thinking about saying here, but then don't type up. I'll hit a few now...

1. New Gear! I've been buying a lot of gear lately. At least it seems that way. I don't normally shop much, but the availability of online shopping makes it easier. Yesterday I received my grab bag of Compression stuff. Don't like the socks and hope to return them, will test the sleeves tomorrow. Just got two new swimsuits and a rash guard shirt. Not sure if I'll be able to use the shirt, seeing if it's legal is on my to-do list. Another recent purchase is new Craft Tri shorts, which are sadly a discontinued item?! No!!!!!! I'm excited to have new stuff since I don't get it often :)

2. Am I over-reacting to peak week fatigue? This past week (maybe even the past two weeks?) have been an up/down ride of emotions. Heck, I nearly cracked Weds when the OWS was canceled! I swing from feelings of power and strength, to feelings if ineptitude, weakness, sickness, and more. Maybe I should just sit back and ride the wave out. Well actually, that's what I HAVE to do. This is what I've been looking forward to for months! Peak week and the fatigue-riddled power trip that comes with it! It's on the brain a LOT it seems. But I worry that my healthy isn't good enough for finishing this out, which leads me to #3...

3. Finding the Whisper of Rain in the whole mess. OK let's stop right there and re-write that script. This isn't a mess! Sure it's chaotic, but that's to be expected. It's hard to focus, motivation is scarce, the body and mind want different things. And that's where things get messy. My body seems to be on the edge sometimes, yet it hasn't failed yet. It's been through the wringer this season with the nutrition problems (BTW the FODMAP experiment is a success!) and I'm seeing so many changes. I'm leaner and lighter, but faster too! But every time I feel tired or like I just can't climb that next set of stairs, the mind jumps in to comment: "Your reserves are low". "You're pushing too hard, take a rest". "You won't make it if you continue on this track".

But I am making it! I'm not making huge improvements in cycling, but otherwise I'm rocking it. Will MiTi be a PR race? Hard to say for sure, but it feels promising.

So where's the Whisper? I've learned that my body can tolerate a lot and still keep running along. I've learned that certain foods make me ill, and I'm learning new foods to work with that limitation. I have new clothes for my new size! I've pushed myself closer to the edge and learned about my discipline and will to be strong. I think overall, this challenging season has taught me that I am capable of what I put my mind to!

4. Oh and a new word: Bee-venge!